Protecting the Elderly Against Disease

Do you have a grandmother, grandfather or other

elderly relative? Have you noticed that they seem to get

sick more often than you do? That’s probably because

their immune system is not working as well as yours.

The immune system is a body system that protects

against disease and foreign substances. It destroys

infected cells and removes them from the body. It is the critical system that allows you to fight off invading pathogens (disease-causing organisms).

What does this mean for elderly people?

It means they are at much greater risk for infectious diseases because their immune systems are not as efficient as they used to be. For example, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) estimates that between 70-90% of flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years or older. Flu and other infectious diseases are serious health problems for people 65 years and older. If their immune system has trouble fighting off a disease, they get sicker and they stay sick for longer.

How can they be protected?

It is important for older adults to receive the protection of vaccines, if possible. Vaccines produce antibodies against viruses that stay in the body and fight off the disease. Elderly people do not get sick if they have been vaccinated for the disease.

There are now influenza vaccines that are specifically made for older adults. They are high dose vaccines that produce a stronger immune response in elderly people with weaker immune systems. They provide more protection against the influenza virus and may help elderly people avoid the serious health consequences of influenza.

It is also important that you practice safe health habits for your elderly relatives. There are quite a few healthy habits that you can do to protect your family.

Make sure you try to stay as healthy as possible.
Wash your hands frequently during flu seasons or when there are other diseases in your community.
Don’t visit your elderly relatives when you are sick.
Make sure you keep up with your immunizations; if you are vaccinated, you won’t get diseases that you may transmit to family members.

These healthy habits go a long way to keeping your elderly relatives safe!

Elderly woman smiling and sitting in a chair with a book.